Hear This: KPOV is now full power and here are four programs you should be listening to

What to listen to on the newly superpowered KPOV in Bend.

After six years of broadcasting at a mere two watts and barely reaching throughout the Bend city limits, our city's community radio station, KPOV, has achieved a long-term goal and become a full-power radio station. This might mean there's some rebranding to do, given that their signal, which can be heard at 88.9FM, will reach well into Redmond, Sunriver and other surrounding communities. The move to full power was the culmination of a massive fundraising campaign and thousands of volunteer hours that will surely escalate the presence of one of Bend's best-kept cultural secrets. With the stronger signal, you have plenty of reason to tune into the eclectic, locally produced content that comes from the minds of KPOV's volunteer hosts and DJs. Here are a few shows to get you started.

Open Air

Wednesdays 5-6 p.m., Rebroadcast Tuesdays 6 -7 a.m.

Her name might not be as recognizable as some of the other media types in Bend, but Dawn Newton, with her show "Open Air," has become one of the more interesting journalists in town. Her interview show features a wide range of subjects, from authors to athletes and other notables, like Ed Asner, who she interviewed before he came to town last year.

"It's really about giving people the opportunity to tell their story and the listener a chance to walk in their shoes," says Newton, a mother of two who first dabbled in radio back in high school.

"Open Air" also features some investigative reporting, like when Newton tracked down the director of a controversial advertisement that ran during the Super Bowl for a piece that was picked up by a national blog. But most of all, the show allows us to join her in her curiosity.

"It's interesting to pull the layers back and allow people to tell their story," says Newton, "For me, it's nice because I learn a lot about these people."

Youth Radio Hour

Wednesdays and Thursdays 4-5 p.m.

The concept of KPOV's widely inclusive programming philosophy allows for some rarely heard voices to get on the air, including our area's youth, who can be heard twice a week on the station.

"You get kids to think about what's important and how being on the radio influences their community," says Diane Turnbull, who in addition to assisting with coordinating the "Youth Radio Hour," also helps with the station's kids radio camps.

The Youth Radio Hour doesn't just let kids play around with a microphone, but actually pumps out some quality content, including some of the more intriguing new music you're likely to hear in town. Hopefully, you'll tune in and get a taste of one of the Youth Radio Hour's more out-there offerings in "Weirdo Radio" that includes an intentionally bizarre collection of music, talk and, well, anything else weird.

Calling all Cowboys

Wednesdays 6-8 p.m., Rebroadcast Sunday 4-6 p.m.

It can be tough to find real country music on the radio. Sure, there's country radio, and lots of it, in this region, but if you want the real, non-pop-influenced sounds upon which this genre was founded, tune in to Chuckaroo the Buckaroo (real name: Charley Engle) on Wednesday nights. This show, one of the more popular on the station and one that's rebroadcast on six other stations around the country, features an array of authentically dusty music, including tunes from country heroes like Gene Autry and Tex Ritter, but also gives a sampling of more contemporary acts like Riders in the Sky and Hot Club of Cowtown. Another treat is the handpicked old-timey radio shows Chuckaroo puts on the air, including episodes of The Lone Ranger and The Cisco Kid. Two hours with this cowboy is essentially a full dose of Americana.

Center Stage

Saturdays 2-4 p.m.

KPOV has long been a big supporter of live music (and speaking of live music, the station's live music show "Live Alive" is worth tuning into from 2 to 4 p.m. on Thursdays). "Center Stage" hosted by the jovial and rich-voiced Rick Miller, a staple of the KPOV community, features a different live performance and interview with a local or regional musician each week. The acts vary from singer -songwriters to full rock bands and Miller gives us ample background on each act by way of engaging interviews. Miller also blends the local artist's sound with some other sonic selections that meld well with the artist's musical style.